Quartz (Cactus Quartz) var Amethyst

The term “cactus quartz” refers to the cactus-like form they resemble. In 1986 they first appeared ranging from pale lilac to deep grape purple. They were absorbed and disappeared from the market until 2001 when more were discovered and named by the miners as “spirit quartz”. Again, quickly absorbed and good pieces are now hard to find. This one is pale in color but the aesthetics are truely lovely. One crystal cleaved from the side. Pale yellow iron staining provides subtle color texture.

Locality: Mkobola,Nkangala District, Mpumalanga Province, South Africa

Composition: silicon dioxide